Huntsville pediatrician weighs in on RSV surge

Huntsville, Ala. (WAFF) – Hospitals and urgent cares across the country are seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses among children.

In particular, doctors are seeing an increase in cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. It’s a common cold for adults, but it can be a serious illness for young children and adults.

Dr. Diana Linderoth, a pediatrician at Children’s Urgent Care in Huntsville, says that RSV typically spreads in the fall, winter and spring, but this has already been an unusual year.

“We had an unusual amount of RSV this summer and the last two summers,” Dr. Linderoth said, “It seemed to be caused by a pandemic.

Dr. Linderoth says that such an increase in cases can cause psychological stress in the institution.

“There are always these ups and downs depending on what’s going on,” Dr. Linderoth said, “So when RSV hits, it definitely increases the burden significantly.”

Symptoms of RSV include runny nose, shortness of breath, and fever.

Dr. Linderoth recommends washing your hands regularly, avoiding large crowds, and making sure your child is informed by their pediatrician.

Copyright 2022 WAFF. All rights reserved.